While my son and I are waiting on the funds to build back up for the major components over haul. There is plenty of time to start cleaning and painting parts, cleaning bolts, painting brackets, prepping the body and frame and all that.

So far most of the big stuff, truck body, under carriage, trany, transfer, external engine components, have been steam pressure washed.

So most of the caked on grease and grime has been removed. But they still need further cleaning before rust removal and priming.

So the question is, what are you all doing to clean your parts before painting.

Any wisdom is welcome, although I dont think the wife is going to put up with me using the dish washer.

Thanks

 

i used one of them wire brushs that attachs to the end of your drill, i got various sizes for various places, wors awesome, i plan to do the whole under carriage so it looks good (my truck under carriage is caked in grease and old old mud)

 

also, if you can get some degreaser that really helps, let it soak then scrub.

 

http://search.harborfreight.com/cpis...d=parts+washer

 

Yeah been looking at the HF parts washers. What type of solvent would you recomend. How long will it last, and how much can I expect to pay for it?

 

I run Stoddard solvent (paint thinner) in my parts washer with a mix of Gunk concentrate to help cut the grease. Never have replaced it in nearly 20 years, just keep topping off the tank as the level drops. Have probably gone through a gallon of the Gunk and maybe 5 gallons of solvent in that time. Get it at the local hardware store, forgot what I paid for it the last time I bought some.

 

I use a mineral spirits based solvent I got from a buddy at the local auto parts place. It is expensive but it will last a LONG time. Been in there a year so far and I need to drain my tank and clean all the gunk out of the bottom and refill w/ the solvent.

I got about $200 in mine altogether, tank and solvent. Well worth the investment if you have a lot of projects like I do. Don't know how I ever did anything without my parts washer.

 

wabbit, can you remember the name of the solvent you use, or is mineral spirits from Lowes about the same?

4Crawler and Wabbit, how stout are the fumes from your thinner based solvents? I ask because I have two car garage that is closed a lot of the time. Wife already complains about the fumes that are out there.

 

With the lid closed, don't smell anything from my parts cleaner. With it open and the pump running, there is a little odor but not bad at all.

 

Its not just mineral spirits. Any local auto parts place will have 5 gallon drums of the stuff. Hardly any fumes and no smell with the lid closed.

 

Cool thank you both once again.

 

umm, so gasoline would be a bad idea?

 

yes ...

 

Seriously though, I'm looking at the small washer at Harbor Freight, with polystyrene container. Instructions say "water based solvent", would the mineral spirit-based stuff be safe?

 

But it works so well... Anyway, I've never had to use a washer but it's become apparent I need to pick-up one for my project.

 

Get the stuff that goes in the parts washer. It lasts a long time and won't blow your arse up.

:wabbit2:

 

I use "gun wash" in mine .. very "light" solvent and works well . Very little smell when in use (if you get the good stuff) .. and when not using and lid closed .. NO smell at all


.

 

Ok, I'm gonna get the 6.5 gallon washer, gotta get back to work on my truck Monday.

 

Sounds like good advice.